At Vanta, we’re the trusted source for continuous security monitoring, compliance, and all things related to SOC 2. But one question we receive frequently is, “What’s the deal with the llama?”

Well, did you know that llamas are used as livestock guards? It’s true - they’re incredibly valuable for monitoring farm animals and have been used for decades as such.

A single llama will bond quickly with its livestock and becomes particularly protective of the weakest members from larger predators. Known for being incredibly smart and easy to train, llamas require almost no guidance to be an effective security alarm. Using llamas as guard animals reduces the losses to predators for many farmers. The value of livestock saved annually outweighs the purchase and maintenance costs of a llama.

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Granted, it’s doubtful you’re in the market for a farm security officer. However, it does shed some light into why we chose a llama as the symbol for Vanta.

The search for a continuous security symbol

How does one go about finding a logo that encompasses continuous security monitoring and compliance standards like SOC 2? “For branding, we wanted to go with living things over padlocks or whatever else security-themed -- something more fun and friendly than the standard security imagery,” says Ellen Finch, Software Engineer.

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The search took a turn into the fairly obvious animal choices: Guard dogs, lions, grizzly bears, hippos, you get the gist -- animals that symbolically invoke fear. The problem with all these animal options is that continuous security monitoring and SOC 2 don’t have to be scary.

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Quite the opposite, actually. “When software security is prioritized early with automation and  monitored continuously, it provides peace of mind, not a sense of panic,” says Christina Cacioppo, Co-founder and CEO of Vanta. “We want companies to use a SOC 2 to prioritize their security early, not fear a SOC 2.” So, the frightening animals didn’t hit the right sentiment.

Why Vanta’s llama works

In addition to providing solid security, llamas are multipurpose animals. Llama wool is used around the world for clothing, blankets, furniture, ropes, and more. Llama dung is used as fertilizer, for starting and keeping fires going, and for insulating native shelters. Overall, llamas are like a one-stop-shop startup kit for living off the land.

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Vanta’s security compliance platform is also versatile. Vanta provides the basic needs for startups to become successful with the tools and guidance to make it happen. We provide the easiest automation for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA , and continuous security monitoring in the market in order for startups to focus on growing their business.

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“Turns out that when you put a llama on everything, it pretty quickly becomes your brand identity, so now we're stuck with it - good thing it's a good mascot!” -- Ellen Finch, Software Engineer

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“We wanted a mascot that embodied Vanta: protective, intelligent, multifunctional, cost efficient, and memorable,” says Cacioppo.

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Like the llama, Vanta is like a one-stop-shop -- particularly for startups just beginning with security. We’ll help you get up and running with easy integrations and the knowledge we’ve retained from years of experience helping startups begin their security programs in order to help them grow their business.

Llama lovers: continuous monitoring with customers

• Chili Piper streamlines their annual SOC 2 monitoring and reporting process
• Belvo stays compliant all year
• Affinity reduces audit surprises by using Vanta’s automated, painless evidence collection

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